In our office it is popular because we have 3 or 4 different kinds of coffee. Everyone can get a fresh cup of their favorite flavor. No one has to "make the coffee" before everyone can get some. Instead everyone makes their own cup on demand. You don't have to wonder whether you should make a fresh pot at 5PM on Friday if you need more coffee to finish up a project. You don't find half-full pots of cold coffee on Monday mornings. It is a low mess, quick and convenient alternative to the old fashioned bulk coffee pot.